Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

At a Glance

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is essential for the body’s metabolism and use of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Vitamin B5 can be found in fruits and vegetables such as leafy greens, berries, sweet potatoes, and avocado. It can also be found in some fish, dairy products, seeds, and whole grains.

Overview

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is a water soluble vitamin. This vitamin is very important as without it you wouldn’t be able to use fats, carbohydrates, or proteins as energy sources!

Deficiencies

Common symptoms and resulting conditions of vitamin B5 deficiency include:

Tingling feet (only in severe malnutrition)

No other symptoms are likely.

However, your individual response could be different. If you suspect a health problem or deficiency in certain nutrients, please see your primary health care provider (doctor, naturopath, etc). They can help unravel the complexity of your physiology.

Excess/Toxicity

Common symptoms of vitamin B5 excess/toxicity include:

Nausea

Heartburn

Diarrhea.

Note: These are typically only experienced with high dose supplementation.

However, your individual response could be different. If you suspect a health problem or an excess of certain nutrients, please see your primary health care provider (doctor, naturopath, etc). They can help unravel the complexity of your physiology.

Recipe

For recipes rich in vitamin B5, check out any of the Encyclopedia of Food entries for food items listed above.

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Related Foods

At a Glance

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is essential for the body’s metabolism and use of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Vitamin B5 can be found in fruits and vegetables such as leafy greens, berries, sweet potatoes, and avocado. It can also be found in some fish, dairy products, seeds, and whole grains.